A-League: Adelaide's forgotten men

With Adelaide United is sitting pretty at the top of the A-League table, with the side in red recording four wins and a draw from six matches and their only loss, against Melbourne Victory, it could be excused as a poor day at the office.

The side has shown it has depth and versatility, and has displayed a combination of both desperate defence and attacking flair.

All in all, John Kosmina would be a very happy coach at the moment.

He has players at his disposal and has even discussed the possibility of a rotation policy where he can choose to either pick a side that suits the opponent or rewards players who are performing.

With the exception of former captain and Socceroo Jon McKain, who remains on the injury list, Kosmina has a full squad to choose from.

Earlier in the season Kossie had the luxury of leaving his leading strikers Bruce Djite and Sergio van Dijk in Adelaide on a trip interstate, and he left out van Dijk again at the weekend.

Much has been made in the media about van Dijk's omission and speculation remains that Adelaide United's marquee man will leave the club in the January transfer window.

While those questions are warranted given the amount he is paid as a marquee, there are a couple of other players whose future at the club should be under the microscope.

Fabian Barbiero - a local product who earned his spot on the list and became an important cog in the Reds machine that impressed so much in Asia - hasn't been spotted since being sent off in the Champions League.

The 28 year-old took a while to look comfortable at A-League level but now displays tenacity and heart whenever he dons the red strip.

I must admit, on a personal level, I didn't think there was a spot for him in the starting XI, until he struck up an impressive partnership in the centre of the park with the experienced Paul Reid that eventually earned him a call up to the Socceroos.

Another who has dropped off the radar is 2011-2012 club champion Zenon Caravella.

Caravella had an interrupted pre-season, struggling with a hip flexor injury that had sidelined him since August.

Putting aside the results on paper, on the park the Reds have really missed Caravella's quick feet, vision and willingness to hassle opposition midfielders.

The 29 year-old is experienced at A-League level, having played for the now defunct franchises the New Zealand Knights and Gold Coast United, with a stint in Holland sandwiched in between.

Caravella isn't the biggest or strongest player, and doesn't necessarily stand-out each week but he's a classy player who leaves little on the pitch.

While his presence is often undervalued, the fact that he won the player of the year award in his first season at the club, albeit while the side struggled on the pitch, shows his importance.

Kosmina has already shown a preference to leave Dario Vidosic to play a free role linking the midfield and strikers, which eliminates one midfield spot.

Osama Malik has the defensive midfield role covered and has ably been supported by Cameron Watson either from the start or off the bench.

And, Kosmina now has Argentine import Marcello Carrusca showing signs of class and poise, and starting to find the fitness to run out a match.

If the side keeps getting results, both Barbiero and Caravella will struggle to squeeze their way in.